How model railways became a Christmas icon

As traditional as fairy lights and baubles, a model railway train has long been considered an essential part of styling your Christmas tree.  But what is the seasonal relevance and how did Santa’s Express become a Christmas icon? 

The Christmas tree tradition begins

Bringing evergreen trees indoors has been a custom since Ancient Egyptian times, when they were seen as symbols of eternal life. But it was the Germans that turned them into a seasonal item.

By the 18^th century, it was standard practice to decorate Christmas trees in Germany. When Queen Charlotte came to England to marry King George III, she kept the tradition from her home country, choosing to decorate a Yew tree with candles and edible treats. However, it remained a royal extravagance that extended only to the aristocracy.

It took her granddaughter, Queen Victoria, to popularise the idea throughout the country in 1848. She had just married Prince Albert and a picture of the newlyweds sitting by their Christmas tree was published in the Illustrated London News.

Prince Albert was overjoyed by the response and gifted Christmas trees from the royal estate to hospitals, schools and barracks every year. These were spruce firs, rather than yew trees.

Adding a model railway train set

The tradition of running train sets under the tree came about for practical reasons.

The modern passenger railway was established in 1825 (read our blog post on this here). The country was absolutely fascinated with this incredible new way to travel, and it didn’t take long for replica toy models to flood the market. These rudimentary designs were non-motorised, simple, and regularly given as gifts to children.

To prevent them from becoming a trip hazard, they were often set up underneath the Christmas tree. The oval track designs made them a perfect fit, and it was a great opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their kids on Christmas day.

As advancements in model railway technology continued, the tree’s proximity to an electrical point meant that electric sets could also be plugged in.

Trains were also associated with Christmas because they were the main method of transport for visiting loved ones at that special time of year.

Cementing their Christmas relevance

The 2004 film, The Polar Express, reignited the fashion for model railways underneath the Christmas tree, as children around the world begged for a train set. But this film was actually based on a picture book released in 1985, the film just brought the idea to a new generation.

Around the country, you can often find Santa steam train experiences, which also lean into this magical festive idea.

Ho Ho Hornby

Hornby has a long heritage in making Christmas magical with its popular train set designs, but this was cemented with the introduction of the Hornby Santa’s Express Train Set in 2014(?). The design has changed slightly over the years, but the desire for a festive train to run around the tree has remained steadfast.

Our latest iteration of this charming train is ideal for children, with a more durable design, clip-together track layout and a colourful style. It’s great value for money and includes lights and sound.

And with a rechargeable battery, it will be a tradition you can reignite year after year.

A Christmas icon of the past and present

While Christmas traditions come and go, the idea of a festive train set running around the base of the Christmas tree is one that has endured and spread around the world. If you’re ready to bring model railway Christmas magic to your home, discover our range of Christmas sets and wagons.